Statkraft, Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy, has announced plans to develop a green hydrogen production facility at Hunterston Port and Resource Campus (PARC) in Ayrshire, Scotland.
The proposal marks a major step in Scotland’s journey toward becoming a global leader in renewable energy and hydrogen export.
Green Hydrogen Production at a Former Coal Site
The former coal terminal at Hunterston is set to be transformed into a state-of-the-art green hydrogen hub. Statkraft has signed an option agreement with Clydeport, part of the Peel Ports Group, to explore the development of the hydrogen facility at the strategically located Hunterston PARC.
The proposed facility would produce, store, and export green hydrogen, using electricity generated from renewable sources. Hydrogen will be transported from the facility to the site’s existing jetty via pipeline, and exported by ship in the form of ammonia, a hydrogen carrier suitable for international transport.
A Renewable Energy Powerhouse
Hunterston PARC is rapidly becoming a renewable energy innovation hub. It already hosts multiple clean energy and infrastructure projects in advanced development stages, including:
- XLCC’s undersea energy cable factory – the first of its kind in the UK
- Highview Power’s Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) facility – the largest in the world
- Bakkafrost’s onshore aquaculture site
Peel Ports has also secured planning permission for a £150 million redevelopment of the site’s marine yard. This upgraded facility is intended to support offshore wind development, but the company remains open to alternative proposals aligned with its sustainability vision.
Statkraft Hydrogen Projects
Statkraft’s wider goal will be to deploy 250 MW of green hydrogen capacity by 2030. The proposed facility would be used for the production, storage and export of hydrogen. Kevin O’Donovan, Statkraft’s UK Managing Director, recently said: “Statkraft has decided to end development of new green hydrogen projects across our portfolio. We will continue to develop our existing UK hydrogen projects, a market where there has been significant support from the UK and Scottish Governments, and seek investors to take them forward into construction and operation.
Where Will the Green Energy Come From?
Electricity for the hydrogen production is expected to be sourced from wind and solar farms, integrated directly into the facility. Peel Ports has already partnered with SSE Energy Solutions to power the Hunterston site with 100% renewable electricity, further enhancing the sustainability of the hydrogen produced.
How Much Hydrogen Will Be Produced?
While detailed output figures have not yet been released, industry comparisons suggest a plant of this scale could initially produce thousands of tonnes of green hydrogen per year. This would significantly bolster the UK’s domestic hydrogen supply and enhance export capacity.
A Key Milestone for the UK Hydrogen Economy
The proposed Statkraft green hydrogen facility at Hunterston reinforces Scotland’s position as a leader in the green energy transition. By repurposing former fossil fuel infrastructure and integrating cutting-edge renewable projects, the initiative aligns with the UK’s net-zero strategy and supports the creation of a sustainable hydrogen export market.
As development progresses, further details regarding capacity, construction milestones, and long-term commercial partnerships will emerge. For now, the project stands as a bold statement of intent – transforming a coal past into a hydrogen-powered future.
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